Writing the DBQ: DocumentBased Question

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Writing the DBQ Document-BasedQuestion
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What is the Document-Based Question?

• A document-based question requires students to
  defend an assertion by using an analysis of
  historical documents and outside knowledge
  (previous knowledge) of a specific time period
  and topic.

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Solving a Mystery

• Writing a DBQ is similar to solving a mystery or
  a crime
• You need to use your previous knowledge along
  with the evidence (the documents) to help solve
  the mystery the question that is being asked.
• As is true with a mystery or crime, some evidence
  is better than other evidence!

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Best Practices

• One of the best ways to prepare for the DBQ on
  the AP Exam is to have students practice using
  APPARTS on various primary sources throughout the
  year!

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Six Steps to Answering a Document-Based Question

• Read the question, and make sure you understand
  all parts of the question.
• Cluster outside information (use a web) to
  establish outside/previous knowledge.
• Read the documents, and analyze each document
  with APPARTS as you read.

• 4. Make an assertion formulate a thesis,
  ensuring that it directly answers the questions.
• 5. Use the Yes/But Strategy to form the defense
  of tour assertion and to test your assertion.
• 6. Write the essay. (Note on the AP exam
  students have 60 minutes to work on the DBQ.
  Spend 15-20 minutes on the first five steps.
  Spend 40-45 minutes writing the essay.

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Step Five Yes/But

• Here is where you will up your score by
  recognizing the other side of the assertion you
  made and then destroying it in your writing.
• Although slavery was morally and socially wrong,
  the thirteen colonies could not have been
  economically successful without the institution
  of slavery.
• You recognize that slavery is wrong, you do not
  hide this fact, but will convince the reader that
  the economic situation made it a necessary evil.

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Basic Facts

• DBQ essays with no outside information or
  analysis will receive a score no higher than a
  four.
• Students need to stay within the time period of
  the question
• Students who effectively use Yes/But statements
  drive their scores up.
• Avoid quoting long passages focus on analysis,
  not regurgitation.

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Basic Facts, cont.

• Analyze and make inferences, do not simply repeat
  what the document says
• Always refer to the document parenthetical by the
  title of the document, NOT by its letter!
• Students should use the introductory paragraph to
  define terms, provide historical background,
  define the time period, and state points of
  validation. Keep introductory information to a
  minimum.

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Basic Facts, cont.

• Students should use specific names, terms and
  events
• Always make sure that you keep returning to the
  main topic/your thesis do not wander!
• Lastly, use as many documents as you can, but you
  do not need to use every single one. Aim to use
  all but one or two.

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Ready, Set, Go!!

• Now you have the basic formula for writing a
  successful DBQ.
• We will work on this skill together all year long
  -- HOW EXCITING!!!